Wednesday, July 29, 2009

It wouldn't be an oversight assertion to term various services as disgusting if the conditions of such services in our country could be hardly visualized in lapidary state. Lagging of services also shouldn't be seen alone as sheer partial lapse of services mechanism instead it now getting matured as full grown maladies that's need an immediate checkout by the respective agencies( Both Government and private). I lamenting to quote the weakness of basic services among common peoples across the country even after attaining of considerable strength of economy and overall balance position at global platform. Bad availablity of services are hazardly haunting in various ways to maintain a balance and productive circumstances which left numerous pitfalls in growth agenda.

It's quite unfortunate that basic services like, water, electricity, transportation, health, education etc are turning to be the prerogative of affluent; such clouts are dampening the morale of a pool of population who simply found incompatible to maintain the parity vis-a-vis the affluent counterparts. Amidst such disproportionate basic facilities; living in even a prime National Capital Region like Ghaziabad could be a quite terrible experience during the summer season. On an average,number of hours of load shedding ranges between eight hours to eighteen hours daily, for burning midnight light candle remains the most viable option because of other deficient power back ups.Indeed such facts can astonished those who have only the extrinsic views about the prosperity of these NCRs that shaped through their fame to fetching billions dollar worth of investments from across the world. Health is a most vital aspect for all living creatures which needs utmost care for smooth progress of life but there are many impediment in the way of such materialization since Government facilities are hardly adequate. Further it paves the way of exploitation and a vicious circle for the economically marginalized section in the hand of private players; they charged exorbitant price and offers no guaranteed services. From a humane perspective it's quite essential to provide basic health facilities at affordable price which could be possible only through an effective government mechanism; Cuba may be a formidable example in this regard as their medical teams valued topmost among its human resources. But presently very sorry state of affairs prevails in our country to cope with the challenges of effective and inclusive health facilities.

Two months back,I had made frequent visits to AIIMS for looking on a my close relative who was than under-treatment there, I got struck to see the prevailing stark condition there; patient have to wait for months to have their turns, despite being an urgent and a high profile case,even my patient finally got operated after falling on two dates of surgery. Cause were cited by the management like absence of Anesthetic which shall hardly justifiable in India's top notch institution like AIIMS; no doubt pressures surmounts too much high on it's staffs as being a lone hospital of such caliber but that shouldn't lessen their concern for existing patients. Snatching are very frequent in Delhi's buses and its very hard to escape from this noble experience at least once before becoming excessively careful for ones stuffs.

I lost my cell phone during same days in May; my remorse was more deeper for the precious messages and numerous contacts apart from hassleful formal obligation which I had to make... anyway I lodged my complain to S.H.O about the theft of my cell phone ( AIIMS), but further task was much daunting for me as I had to spoil my energy to visit Vodafone outlet for atleast five times to regain my lost telecommunication identity. Theirs approaches were so cumbersome and repetitive that they couldn't entertain any queries even a minute after their stipulated working hours... I had to got back once for the same reason. In other more instances we have to face such creeping attitudes of various service providers without having any valid causes; most of time we surpassed such inconvenience because of time-crunch but such occurrence after all makes us more vulnerable in basic facilities.

Recovering from such maladies needs a strong civic sense and commitment for collective welfare; social initiatives would be the genuine impetus in this regard but for its enforcement at broader level meticulous political strategy would be equally required. Good governance and sound civic action can lessen the pain of inadequate service structure.... my candle is flickering now, so I have to imagine about the new dawn in deep darkness. Atul Kumar Thakur July 29th, 2009, New Delhiatul_mdb@rediffmail.com

Friday, July 24, 2009

I have been sharing a very intense but imaginative sort of relationships with the city of joy (Calcutta); my charm for this bewildering city basically emerged from the Bangla literature, Music and great Cinematic movement which simultaneously spells bounded me for greater ties. Indeed I bestowed too much intellectually from the legacy of this city which imparts me fresh vision to see the things in greater context. Looking through the snapshots of modern Indian History, its become explicit that the city Calcutta possessed utmost importance in comprehending the actual intricacies of British colonialism in India. The city founded by a British Job Charnok with motives to strengthen the base of East India Company in Indian subcontinent which later established the Calcutta as focal point of colonial expansion and largest commercial hub for at least two centuries.

As the acts of colonizers were not even handed for the interest of Indian Territory; it started getting ground among the local intelligentsia that enabled British Raj to shaping the circumstances in their selfish favors which was lasted only with the loss of Indian sovereignty; so, that immediately caused for a large chunk of dissociation from British standpoint which they enjoyed retrospectively. Obviously Calcutta was the first Indian city which came so forwardly under the exposure of modern English education likewise major socio- cultural reforms also have been taken place in this city. So,very soon a new radical class was formed with candid expressions of modern enlightenment which was somehow very reverse from the British conception about these newly English literates. In this manner Calcutta and even entire Bengal earned the distinction of avantgarde in cultural awakening and formation of anti colonial sentiments across the country.

Establishment of Presidency College and further the Calcutta University radically changed the outlook of its academic associates which eventually left dual effects on the fortune of British Empire although British educationist became able to create a pool of intelligence in their favour; Michael Madhusudan Dutt, a bright alumni of Hindu College could be a formidable example in this regard but the wave of nationalism was much stronger against the hegemonic tendencies of Colonizers. In later period disillusionment from such cultural fabrication very pragmatically enhanced the plight of freedom seekers; even the intellectual sycophants like Michael Madhusudan Dutt had entirely got away from colonial impressions and returned back to his home land in completely new incarnation where he penned numerous adorable sonnets in Bengali.

But in later course Calcutta got two major setbacks by first the division of Bengal in 1905 and transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911 which further jeopardized the previously held prominence of Calcutta, even though the city kept playing the active role in freedom movement. In post independent phase Calcutta struck with the slump development oriented framework from both the major ruling governments of Congress and Left parties; its eventuality appears very lucid by passing through this city which completely lost its edge in growth momentum. In meantime West Bengal also gone through many socio-economically generated disruptions like, Naxalbari movement and later Maoism which grasped untimely the thousands of best educated lives. Advent of Left parties in 1970’s was an implication of such chaotic state of affairs, initially great hopes persisted in their promises but very few things could actually materialized in positive way. It’s true those in initial years, CPI (M) led government did some commendable work for land reform and law and order situation but such more work couldn’t be sustained in further time. Politically situation in West Bengal is really very grim since both the ruling and opposition sides reflects their intention only for authoritarian lust instead the betterment of greater common goods. By the effect Calcutta and even entire West Bengal today gravely lagging behind in development indexes. A very political atmosphere is urgently imperative to short out these chronic maladies of governance and in boosting the morale of city dwellers towards their great past. Today Calcutta needs a radical improvement in its infrastructural capacity which is hardly suffice presently to carry on the extended load of modern economy; city’s architectural marvels are today waiting for same considerations.

Despite such all odds Calcutta is still worth of attention for various reason; even today city stood with its great culture of intellectual tradition and respect for learning. The city Calcutta immensely contributed in the shaping of modern India and up gradation of Nationhood, of course Calcutta could proudly honoured by the history of hosting intellectuals like Rabindranath Tagore who not only infused vibrancy in West Bengal albeit his charisma spread universally across the globe. Twentieth century also witnessed the numbers of scion emerged in different fields from this city; work of Mahasweta Devi, Sunil Gangopadhaya, Badal Sirkar , Amitav Ghosh,Amit Chaudhuri etc presents very alluring introspection of Calcutta’s city life.

But it’s most remarkable portrayal being evident from the great Bengal movement of Cinema with hard efforts from Cinema makers like Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Mrinal Sen, Vimal Roy, Rishikesh Mukherjee etc. They infused their best constructive energy to raise the causes of Calcutta; Cinemas like “Do Bigha Zameen” (Bimal Roy), “Meghe Dhaka Tara” and “Bari Theke Paliye” (Ritwik Ghatak),”Mahanagar” and “Charulata” (Satyajit Ray), and many magnum opus work of Mrinal Sen are vehemently exposing the diverse facades of Calcutta’s urban life. It could be a matter of solace that city still having some very great names in different domains. In my lone visit to this city in September 2007, I frequently came across the déjà vu situations besides eureka moments as well, such things happened in strong imaginative relationships to any particular subject; in my three days in Calcutta, I directly corresponded to this city and done so many productive acts.

Like, moving on the street of Esplanade and Park Street, Sit for long hours in Victoria Memorial, spent some time on the bank of Ganga, and Involved in a shopping spree for Panjabi Kurtas and Bangla taiint sarees in Tantuja shop at Esplanade, commuted in metros, tram and buses (From Mullick Bazar to BT Road) and most notably I scanned the Asiatic Societies very precious Library to see some of treasures from histor.Here I abled to see the manuscripts of most precious work in Maithili literature ( “Varna Ratnakar” by Jyotireshwar Thakur , 13th ce4ntury AD) ; alas!, I couldn’t see the National Museum and Victoria Memorials Museum due to weekly holidays; this remain a regret for me during this trip. Indeed I feel very closer with this city because of its persistence with great intellectual and cultural tradition which makes it especially unique. A song of a differently abled beggar (In a bus) is still vivid in my mind ...”Amar Juger Nai Thicker Re Bandhu” (This is Not Our Age, Brother); for a while it resembled me some relationship with this city, but I had emphatic wish for a changed fortune of city and its residents. I would wish to see Calcutta in my next visit as genuine City of Joy with free from ironies.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

The layout of union budget 2009- 10 is a great show of prudent realpolitik over the complex and cumbersome technical expertise of economics and finances. Policy framing of present year’s union budget was heavily emerged from the world wide economic downturn which was started since the year 2007 and substantially rocked the fine pace of liberalization programme across the length and breadth of the entire world. Thanks to a much regulated financial system and culture of government ownership in strategic sector; Indian economy any how became able to manage a decent 6.7% GDP growth even though it is considerably low from recent year’s growth. So, keeping prevailing adversity in mind finance minister Pranab Mukherjee has remain steadfast on spurting growth in economy through domestic demand instead of foreign investments; however this trend is reversal from recent standing on liberalization of economy and present years economic survey.

The most striking fact of budget remains the government’s very soft treatment on financial sector reform that further restrained the divestment in banking and insurance sector. Apart from financial sector budget also hardly kept its promises of divestment in other public sector units; despite this finance minister shown his empathy for public ownership in PSUs. Indeed that refers to right timing of execution which is not ripe as par the situation government facing today albeit convention has been showing that very few new government opted for any huge divestment plan in its very first budget.With sharp increase in spending to relentlessly stimulate the economy is a major thrust of this budget whose proper enactments are possible only through the surge of rural economy and enhanced productive activities in rural areas.

A huge impetus to rural development is a very formidable act of government which visualizes the respect for mandate. So, the budget is a win- win situation for rural development and employment generation; total allocation of Rs 39,100 crores with an increase of 144% over preceding budget for the funding of NREGS is very boosting stance for this acclaimed programme. Establishment of National Food Security Act for the families fall below the poverty line can be conceived as very candid response to struck with the plight of hunger and malnutrition; launching of Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojna initially to 1,000 chosen villages consisted with 50% or more scheduled castes is a welcome step. Rural housing and sanitation given utmost importance; allocation of Rs 8,800 crores to Indira Awas Yojna with a forwarded increase of 63% over preceding budget and allocation of Rs 2,000 crores for Rural Housing Fund in the National Housing Bank would positively met with the plights of rural housing.

Allocation of Rs 12,000 crores for Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana with a steep increase of 59% is a very commendable measure taken for the strengthening of rural infrastructure; Rs 7,000 crores of allocation to Rajeev Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojna with a 27% increase from previous year would be equally beneficial in this regard. Further enhancement of allocation by 45% to Bharat Nirman programme for year 2009-10 and proposal for strengthening of Swarn Grameen Swarojgar Yojna with the better channelisation of Self Help Groups are very symmetrical to the needs of rural areas. With having 4% of agricultural growth; the target for agricultural credit flow for the year 2009-10 is being set at Rs 3,25,000 crores over last years Rs 2,87,000 crores to accelerate the growth momentum.

Ceiling of overdue payment to bank by the farmers is further stipulated up to 31st December 2009 besides loans up to Rs3 lakhs for farmers at the interest rate of 7% per annum is a big relief. Its noteworthy that allocation for the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna is also being stepped up by 30 percent; apart from these increase of 75% over the allocation in 2008-09 (An additional increase of 1,000 crores for Accelerated Irrigation Programme) is very stimulating for farming sector. In health sector National Rural Health Mission given an increase of Rs 2,057 crores over Rs12, 070 crores provided in the interim budget. For education, launching of National Mission for Female Literacy and modernization of employment exchange are very innovative steps taken to rationalize the gain of education in equal manners to different strata of society.

There are also provisions made for soft student loans to weaker sections; regarding Integrated Child Development Scheme, although all services under this scheme have extended with quality to every child under the age of six albeit it failed on the claim of universalisation in education. Higher education has greatly benefited in this budget as proposals are made for the establishment of one central university to each state where presently it’s not existed. Up gradation of polytechnics and allocation of Rs2, 113 crores for IIT’s and NIT’s which also includes a provision of Rs 450 crores for new establishment of these institution. These are very forwarded approach taken in the direction of making technical education more rampant, overall an increase of Rs 2,000 crores over last budget are being taken into account for spurting the higher education scenario.

On the power front, Accelerated Power Development and Reform Programme is a vital scheme for reducing the gap between power demand and supply. Allocation for this scheme is Rs2,080 crores, a steep increase of 160% above the allocation in the budget of 2008-09. On oil sector global situation of petroleum products have taken into account for any further deliberation. In gas segment a crucial proposal are introduced to develop a blueprint for long distance gas highways leading to a National Gas Grid. On infrastructural development plans has drawn to stimulate public investment in India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited with more emphasis on public private partnership besides provision for Rajeev Awas Yojna for urban poors are introduced. Infrastructure is very imperative for economic growth, so its vitality taken in consideration.

Allocation for the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission being stepped up by 87% to Rs12,887 crores besides provision of basic amenities to urban poor are being set to Rs3,973 crores in current budget. Further the allocation during the current year to NHAI for the National Highways Development Programme has lifted up by23 percent over the preceding budget; also enhancement being evident in the allocation for the Railways from Rs10,800 crores in the interim budget to Rs15,800 crores. Due diligence have been made for the allocation of defense expenditure, steep increase in allocation was made because of having state of turmoil in neighboring countries; for strengthening of border management an additional amount of Rs2,284 crores are provided beside this One Rank One Pension for Ex-servicemen are also introduced.

For internal security, modernization of police system have given due concern and in this regard additional Rs430 crores would be spent. For restructuring export growth, interest subversion of 2% has extended for seven critical sectors besides huge credit infusion and rationalization of custom and various services are made.On fertilizers subsidy, government intends to move towards a nutrient based subsidy regime instead of the current product pricing regime which is as par with the productivity enhancement in agriculture. Policies are framed for the cluster wise development of handlooms to spurt the growth momentum in consistently thickening manufacturing sector; emphasis on implementation of The Unorganised Workers Social Security Bill2007 is a major boost in this regard.

In another move of social security scheme allocation for minority welfare has been raised to Rs1740 crores over Rs1,000 crores in preceding budget. The setting of Unique Identification Authority of India with a provision of Rs120 crores is a great move in the direction of modern governance. Increase in allocation for the National River and Lake Conservation plans to Rs562 crores over the preceding budgets allocation of Rs355 crores and proposal for National Ganga River Basin Authority are some of key steps taken for the environment and climate change. In sports segment allocation for Commonwealth games has been increased from Rs2,112 crores to Rs 3,472 crores, this huge allocation would be equally benefited the infrastructure of Delhi.

For rehabilitations to cyclone Aila strucked West Bengal has given Rs1, 000 crores and being consistent with India’s emerging role in South Asia, a decent amount of Rs500 crores has allocated for the internally displaced Srilankans.Taxation is supposed as the most sought after concern of a budget; so the budget given some respite by raising ceiling of tax exemption by Rs10,000 to all and senior citizens have given the exemption of Rs 15,000 besides 10% surcharge on personal income tax exceeding Rs10 lakh being scrapped. So, such progressive move would infuse more money in the hand of salaried class that certainly fuelled the spirit in market. Introduction of Goods and Services Tax from April1st 2010 have also announced which would restructured the prevailing dual mode of taxation. Abolition of Commodity Transaction Tax and Frindge Benefit Tax is a major relief for corporate world even though enhancements of Minimum Alternate Tax from present 10% to 15% would reduce the pressure from treasury; corporate tax and Security Transaction Tax remain unchanged.

In some more changes in indirect taxes; excise duty have increased from 4% to 8% with some exceptions, customs duty on gold increased, service tax extended to legal services and excise duty on branded diesel and petroleum products has been modified. These changes should impart positive implication for export sector.This budget has honour to cross the total allocation of 1 million crores in first time in history to Rs 10,20,838 crores; this growth of Indian economy is indeed an auspicious sign in present circumstances. On FRBM, finance minister has judiciously court the reference of Kautilya and likewise he doesn’t stressed the pressure of fiscal deficit on peoples money instead he announced to cover the fiscal deficit of 6.8% of GDP by market borrowings and rest via printing notes. Indeed budget shown some major relief like Tax Holidays to specific sector like IT but it sends out a clear message that corporates must have their own land to secure their feet’s. So, overall it’s a balancing budget in broader context for an inclusive growth of economy. Atul Kumar Thakur 11th July, 2009, New Delhiatul_mdb@rediffmail.com

Monday, July 6, 2009

The city of Kashi or Varanasi inhabited on the banks of river Varuna and Assi still upholds its antiquity and flawless tradition of learning along with its deliberate assimilation to modernism. With possessing unique characteristics, it would be sheer devoid to judge this city with unanimous propositions instead the real visualization could be best materialized only with the intricate patterns which the city holding since the inception of civilization. The city Kashi remained consistent in maintaining its fine tag as the center of excellence for Sanskrit, Vedic and ancient education; besides in modern times the city relentlessly upbeat the tradition of learning along very fine fusion with modern stream of education.

In this manner city had distinction to attract scholars and knowledge seekers from across the world which still getting momentum due to initiative taken by the great reformers like Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya in the early twentieth century. Establishment of great resourceful institution like Banaras Hindu University in 1916 further kept the edge of this city intact as great center of education. Nexus between Kashi and Mithila primarily arose for imparting of scholastic ties because having many replications in characteristics including the supremacy of Sanskrit education at both the places. Further these traditional ties placed stronger with the initiation of Maithili language and literature movement from here; inclusion of Maithili in the curriculum of Banaras Hindu University was a historic move by the Mahamana Malaviya.

Such honour to Maithili could be materialized because of very intense participation by the contemporary maithil students; notably as Kanchi Nath Jha ‘Kiran, Murlidhar Jha etc. Co-incidently the first magazine in Maithili (Mithila Mod, 1934) was also published from Kashi under the editing of Murlidhar Jha, later Kanchi Nath Jha had served it for a long time. So, the rambling of Maithili languages and literature towards the organized modern usage in both the academics and journalism was started from the land of Kashi. Institutionalization of Maithili language and literature in modern context was indeed the most prolific contribution of Banaras Hindu University to this very ancient and enriched language. Truly every honest effort made in this land reaches to the goal in well ordered pace which finally converge with its cosmic cultural tradition; Indeed Kashi is replete with great tradition. Many great works of Maithil stalwarts like Prof Harimohan Jha and Baidya Nath Mishra ‘Yatri (Nagarjun) was emerged from the plot of this city. ‘Yatri’ had even studied Sanskrit in Kashi and later drawn dozens of his finest poem both in Maithili and Hindi from here, likewise Prof Harimohan Jha had written his magnum opus work ‘Kanyadan’ and its sequel ‘Duragman’ with heavy inferences from the city life of Kashi in early twentieth century. Next in this series is a politician and author Chaturanan Mishra who drafted a very lucid and problem haunting novel ‘Kala’ which is based on the child widowhood and misfortune of survivor in the absence of widow remarriage system in Mithila. He profusely tried to corner and oust the ill thinking regarding this haunting malady; novel end s with very progressive end.

Plot of this novel comprehensively highlighted the plight of Hindu widows whose segregation and reclusive live was believed as destiny in contemporary orthodox social order, further the inhumanisation of their lives in city Kashi used to legitimized on religious ground; but the real plight of these widows from Mithila and across the country were much horrible above those parochial logic. Thanks to modern reformism now these practices is getting very thin today and these change could be seen be sensed by passing through the adjacent areas of Ghats; widow house Darbhanga Sewa Griha is today stood like a mute expectator about its exploitative and heart ranching past.Mithila shared an impractical and unusual short of relationship with Kashi in this regard which were indeed not justifiable from any corner.

Anyway Maithils had been equally contributing to this city in very profound manner; role of Sir Ganganath Jha was legendary in the foundation and development of Banras Hindu University that role later carried forwarded by his worthy son And later the vice chancellor of this prestigious university. In later phage Venishankar Jha and Chandrashekhar Jha had served highest honour of this acclaimed institution. In the foundation of B.H.U, the royal family of Darbhanga was very active with material assistance; his portray in Bharat Kala Museum of university still reminds his generous contribution. Apart from these hundreds of faculties and thousands of students from Mithila had strengthened these ties to very high level of emotional bond and sharing.

Scholars like Prof Manoranjan Jha (Department of Political Science) had explicitly forwarded the scholaric spirits of this great institution (B.H.U); his vehement counter of Elton Mayo’s subversive work on India (Mother India. 1920’s) reflected the glorious past of this university.An another Scholar from Mithila Subhadra Jha who held the post of librarian in B.H.U but his real charisma was lie in his meticulous expertise over the Sanskrit, Pali and German languages; his work got warm accolades in academic and literary circle.Threads of relationship between Mithila and Kashi are woven in multifaceted terms; remaining the oldest cultural platform of Banaras Hindu University, Mithila Manch has been witnessing the consistent growing of the university’s cosmic culture.

As a matter of fact Kashi has place for all the culture and ideas which it absorb and preserve with its greater profile. Indeed this city has possessing eternal concern of humanity in very true spiritual sense which doesn’t necessarily bounded with the religious identity. In its broadness Kashi has established same deep ties from across the country… so the city still seems most livable and out of suffocation. Being alumni of Banaras Hindu University memories are still vivid in my mind about my proud Alma mater … may be I will remain spell bounded with its charm forever.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Being the capital of a billion plus size nation, it’s not surprising that Delhi draws a lot of attention from various quarters and spellbound the viewer who shows the concern with this vibrant city. Since the age old Delhi remains habitated and dominated by the so called outsiders; it may be a by chance phenomenon but it did happen in same manner. In the view of top brass scholars from different fields, Delhi possessed the topnotch position due to its vibrant and consistent intellectual tradition. Off course there are many specialties in Delhi that could be found without making any hectic efforts. So, there should be no amazement if peoples across from the world are moving towards Delhi to enriched with such specialty but here my concern is towards some abnormal sort of craze towards Delhi and other metro cities of India which being arise from desperateness of rural workforce.

The prime reason of such escaping mentality is the improper consumption of workforce in rural areas because lack of proper mode of productions; so catching and utilizing best of their potential remains a distant dream so far. In my recent visits to several north Indian states I found the craze of escapement from their homeland among many peoples with whom I chatted; indeed most of them don’t do this in fantasy instead they are compelled for survival. But among them I found some negative trend like the plan of short duration migration to cities that they alone think would enable them for bigger status in social hierarchy and street smart life. Such unplanned moves by these types of migrants are absolutely unhealthy for the prospects of their own original identity and where they fled mindlessly. The real ironies is there living condition which still get inhuman sort of basic facilities in absence of regular income and social security in bigger cities. My real concern is with the grief of such migrants who lost both their cultural and emotional affiliation as well as the economic security. Do only government’s facilities are inadequate so such state of affairs aroused? My reply will be partial yes because there are several factors like low investment (private as well), weak infrastructures, disguised unemployment, irregular opportunities, bandwagon effects etc are equally deteriorating their plight. Second categories of migrants are students whose rates are exceptionally high in state like Bihar; most of them have valid reason to fly in absence of proper higher educational facilities in their nearby areas in their state.

A state like Bihar must have proper and immediate university upgradation to check out the relentless exodus of their talent pool. Even though the level of governance has considerably improved in state but education sector is still lagging behind from actual paradigms. Decentralization of central planning has immense potential for rural development, if their enactment will proceed in fair manners, many hurdles would be short; indeed which would benefit the rural hinterland most. So, with a sound rural economy Delhi would become able to welcome its new entrants in healthy manners and abundant civic facilities. We have a strong democracy with the sound constitutional base; we have to pick and make more resonant the two directive principles I. Upliftment of rural economy and II. Decentralization of power; to strengthen both the rural and urban area in equal manners. Hope we will see reverse trend in migration from urban to rural areas in next decades.

Villages constitute pivotal importance in Indian context unlike the counterpart western countries where hardly it symbolizes same connotation at cultural and social level. Since the time immemorial Indian villages were getting the distinction for their centralized role in national consolidation and unification. As a functional unit villages possessed their own set of characteristics which essentially differs it from urban composition. But in recent time, such unique characteristics has up fronting severe challenges from burgeoning urban center in terms of leverages which have very rare presence in rural areas.In numbers, Indian villages has strength of nearby half million, but due to adverse planning almost two third of Indian population is compelled to live with marginalized basic facilities.

Such discrimination is completely unjustifiable since its forcing rural landscape towards subordinate position; indeed it’s terrible from any rational point of view. Problems are rambling very fast so their ramifications which being easily evident by visiting a village and forming own perception or relying on various disappointing data’s in this regard. In recently held parliamentary election, very low turn out of voting (42%) in two major state U.P and Bihar creates antipathy towards electoral awareness; but truth is something more grimmer as it is not occurred solely because of foregone awareness instead it is consequence of mass exodus from these areas to big cities and metropolises in absence of regular opportunity and adequate means of survival. Its matter of fact that such pattern of migration is so abrupt that it is far distant from being called the upward mobility; which effects the enhancement of position; instead such occurrence is caused by the deficient material state in their homeland. Crises prevail at organized and unorganized level of employment potential, by the effect educated, semi educated, and uneducated (including landless laborers) faces challenging scenario at urban places in their own set of capability and fortune which further impulses their psyches to alienate from their roots. Such happenings are absolute case of subjugation before the unfortunate state of affairs.These sorry situations are way heading because the improper disbursement of industries and weak entrepreneurial activities in rural areas which further thicken the scale of opportunity and cause for living in these areas.

It’s need of hour at policy level to boost rural economy, and save it from the disgrace of parasite ness in terms of human resource management.Indeed social schemes are being functional in rural areas with very fine motives and their positive effects are being quite visible; schemes like NREGS, Mid Day Meal Scheme, Antyodaya Yojana, Old Age Pension, Indira Awas Yojana etc sustaining the plight of weaker sections to an extant. But there is need of big booster which can grasp not only the illiterate work force butt all sorts of workforce; operationalisation of various services and huge investments at both the government and private level would be the prime impetus. I mean to say by all the foregoing point that rural economy needs to be transforming from basically being the agro processing majors to a full scale entrepreneurial hub. We have very fine example of China where the government keeps redrawing plan to shape rural emancipation; consequently the situations has considerably changed there now. With appropriating all the urban amenities; new wave sophistication has entered which radicalized the rural picture in China. PURA (Providing Urban Facilities in Rural Areas) is an ambitious stride by the Government of India for upliftment of rural masses and their socio-economic structure; hope such more plans with their fair and speedy enactment. For a balanced and inclusive growth it’s very essential to save villages not only as a demographic and political unit but as hub of employment generating services. If all these materialize we may be sanguine for its survival.

About Me

Atul K Thakur is a Journalist, Writer and Policy Practitioner, with specialisation in the interface of politics and economics. His interests of writing and research is quite diverse and reaches to the areas of international affairs, with special focus on South Asia.
As an author/editor, his latest book is "India since1947:Looking Back at a Modern Nation"/Niyogi Books, an anthology on modern India. Now, he is editing the next volume with keeping in mind, India in future -- and writing a book that will have bearing on the contemporary political and social history of South Asia.
As a journalist/columnist, he has written for publications include: The Hindu, The Pioneer, The Kathmandu Post, The Daily Star, Businessworld, Governance Now, Tehelka, The Friday Times, The Himalayan Times, Mainstream, Seven Sisters Post.
Contact: M: +91-9873160118 / summertickets@gmail.com.